Antiphospholipid antibodies associated with retinal vascular disease.

Two patients with retinal vascular disease also had antiphospholipid antibodies, defined by the presence of the circulating lupus anticoagulant (LAC), anticardiolipin antibodies, or both. One had retinal arterial occlusions and the other had a nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion. The association of thrombotic vascular disease, including both retinal and cerebral vessels, with the presence of these antibodies should be investigated in otherwise normal individuals or in patients presenting with a lupuslike syndrome and retinal vascular occlusive disease. Low-dose aspirin administration could be of therapeutic value in managing thrombotic events in this group of patients.